§ 50. Colonel Beamishasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the present system of supplying natural uranium for use in nuclear power stations, involving immediate payment for the fuel and a refund when the fuel is 1130 returned, is not placing British contractors at a disadvantage with foreign competitors; to what factors he ascribes the recent British failure to get an order in Baden-Württemberg; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
I understand that the Atomic Energy Authority expects to be able to arrange extended credit terms for the initial fuel charges for reactors sold abroad. It is unlikely that any practicable alteration in the terms for the supply of fuel would have affected the decision of the Baden-Württemberg undertaking not to order a British reactor.
§ Major BeamishIs my right hon. Friend aware that American contractors appear to have two major advantages in this important matter—first, the fact that Euratom enjoys a loan of 135 million dollars and, secondly, that the American Government provide enriched fuel at a low interest? Is he satisfied that Her Majesty's Government are doing everything possible to offset these advantages?
§ Mr. ButlerI am, of course, aware both of the fueling and the financial advantage which, for example, the United States Euratom Agreement gives in tendering in a matter of this sort. I cannot pledge my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I have no doubt that he will note the observations of my hon. and gallant Friend.